I was in Florence May 12-16. It was hot hot hot (86 degrees for 2 of the days) and jam packed. I am sure this was part of the reason that Florence was not one of my favorite spots. The bus system proved confounding to me, really it isn't too convenient for visitors. The Hop On Hop Off bus was packed and erratic. I did enjoy going up to Fiesole. And I did take the city bus to Piazza Michaelangelo at dusk, that was magnificent.

Has anybody seen the nuestri (sp?) in the Arno---those gigantic rat-like animals. Ick.

I rented a really cute VRBO on Borgo Ognisannti. Great location, everything I needed was right in the vicinity. The apartment had a washer (and dryer!) internet (for a fee), and a/c in the bedroom. The downside was all the stairs, 71 to be exact...and all very narrow concrete!
120E a night.

I visited the Pitti Palace, I was the only person in Boboli Gardens (early in the AM).
I had reservations for Uffizi and Accademia, both very very crowded as it was Museum Week and everything was free. The Bargello was an oasis, I loved this charming museum. I wandered into the giant food market at San Lorenzo where the art of butchering seems to be the speciality! The butchers proudly dispayed their wares and I took fotos of bloody brains, huge testicles, whole roosters, tripe, and giant faces---still unsure what they were!

Florence was really exhasuting me for some reason so I took the bus to Siena for a day, very charming, loved it. Another day I went to Lucca and loved it even more than Siena. It was an absolutely delightful town with beautiful neighborhood churches and lots of tranquility.

Thanks for writing! Was it the first time you used VRBO?

Yeadonite- I have used VRBO in Paris, Amsterdam, Florence, and Venice. All worked out perfectly.

I have also rented apartments in Rome and Vernazza thru agencies.

I dont think I could eve go back to vacationing in a hotel. I like having lots of room, a friedge, and a washing machine. Internet access is a plus and so is a/c.

Thanks for your quick trip report.

I have been to Florence twice (both in mid-September) and the heat and crowds CAN get a bit much can't they? The first time I went it was a tad overwhelming with the masses of people - but I just ducked into a church...sat for a bit, recouped and then barged back into the crowds. I'm on vacation, I'm in no rush was my philosphy the entire time.

Siena is one of my favourite cities - just the right size, beautiful buildings and squares - refreshing really.

You mentioned: "Has anybody seen the nuestri (sp?) in the Arno---those gigantic rat-like animals. Ick. "

Doh! In all my time in Florence I have YET to see the river rats...my friend who lives there has only seen them once or twice in the 3 years she's been there. Darn! har har

Don't give up on Florence...go when the crowds aren't quite so crazy (end of October onwards) and you will fall in love...I promise!

I assumed the gargantuan frolicking river rats were a nightly occurrence and took my camera on the second night but they did not appear, alas. They were terrifying and fascinating at the same time. I thought they were giant otters or beavers, a lady next to me shuddered and said "rata!" Look up "coypu" on google. The Italians call them nuestri.